Microvasculature of the Ovary

Abstract

Oocyte development and hormone secretion are mutually related functions of the ovary. Oocytes develop and mature within developing follicles. Ovarian hormones are secreted from the stromal intersitial tissue, follicle, and corpora lutea, which are transformed from postovulatory follicles. The follicles, corpora lutea, and stroma compose the cortex of the ovary, and appear during the estrous cycle as successively transforming structures accompanied by very dynamic and continuous changes of their microvascular systems, including active angiogenesis, reconstruction, and degeneration of vessels.